The name Havana conjures up images of colorful buildings, Classic American cars, music on the streets and a wonderful Caribbean atmosphere.

But Havana is so much more than that!

It’s a city full of contrasts. Beautiful colonial buildings stand next to houses in urgent need of maintenance. On one street, you can hear salsa music, while a few blocks away you will find yourself in the middle of everyday Cuban life.

And that’s exactly what makes Havana so special to me.

My own adventure in Cuba started in Havana. It took less than a week before I fell in love with this special country!

In the years that followed, I was able to discover a lot of Cuba, but Havana remains a city where there is always something new to experience.

Whether you love history, culture, music, architecture or just strolling around the streets, Havana has a lot to offer.

I would like to take you along a number of well-known sights, but also along special places that you may not immediately encounter in every travel guide.

Discover historic Old Havana

A visit to Havana is actually not complete without a walk through Habana Vieja, or Old Havana.

This historic part of the city, together with the old fortifications, has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1982.

And as soon as you walk through the narrow streets, you understand why.

Beautiful colonial buildings, atmospheric squares, churches, small shops and cozy restaurants alternate.

Some buildings have been beautifully restored, while others show the traces of time.

Personally, I love to just walk around here, without constantly looking at the clock.

Some of the most famous squares are Plaza Vieja, Plaza de Armas, Plaza de la Catedral and Plaza de San Francisco de Asís.

Each square has its own character.

You can walk through this environment for hours and discover something new again and again.

And don’t forget to take a side street every now and then!

That’s where you often see the daily lives of the residents. Children playing outside, people talking to each other and small local businesses.

Because Havana is not just an open-air museum. It is above all a city where people live and work.

Discovering Havana in an American vintage car

When you think of Havana, you probably also think of the beautiful American cars from the fifties.

And indeed, they are an indispensable part of the streetscape!

From shiny pink convertibles to old Chevrolets that have been maintained for generations.

A ride in a classic car is a special experience for many visitors.

You can explore different parts of the city and enjoy the beautiful buildings and colorful streetscape along the way.

But did you know that many of these cars are not a tourist attraction for Cubans?

They are simply means of transport that, thanks to an awful lot of creativity and craftsmanship, have been kept running for decades.

And I think that’s perhaps the most impressive!

Would you like to take a ride? Then I can help you look at the possibilities through local contacts.

In the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway

The famous American writer Ernest Hemingway spent an important part of his life in Cuba.

And in various places in Havana you can still find something of its history.

One of the most famous places is El Floridita, just off Calle Obispo in Old Havana.

This historic bar is known for its daiquiris and its connection to Hemingway.

Inside, you’ll find a statue of the writer at the bar.

Of course, this attracts a lot of tourists, but I think it’s a nice place to step in and taste the atmosphere.

And a daiquiri is of course part of that for lovers!

Hotel Ambos Mundos, where Hemingway used to stay regularly, is also a special place for those interested in his life.

Do you want to discover even more about this writer? Then Finca Vigía, his former home outside the center of Havana, is also interesting. Just check in advance if the museum is accessible.

Personally, I think that it is precisely the combination of historical stories and the special places where they took place that makes Havana so interesting.

Walk on the Malecón

The Malecón is perhaps one of the most famous places in Havana.

This kilometre-long promenade along the sea is much more than just a beautiful place to walk.

It is a meeting place for the Cubans.

Especially at the end of the afternoon, when the sun slowly sets, I find the atmosphere here special.

People are sitting on the sea wall, talking to friends, listening to music or just enjoying the view.

Sometimes you see fishermen busy, somewhere a guitar sounds and in the meantime the classic cars drive by.

During the day it can be quite hot here, so a walk in the afternoon is often more pleasant.

In strong winds and high waves, the water can crash over the seawall. Keep this in mind and stay at a safe distance in rough seas.

A walk on the Malecón is free of charge and gives you a wonderful insight into the daily life of Havana.

Visit the Fábrica de Arte Cubano

Havana has a very interesting cultural world.

A special example of this is the Fábrica de Arte Cubano, often abbreviated to FAC.

This former factory in the Vedado district has been transformed into a meeting place for various art forms.

Think of photography, painting, music, fashion, film and dance.

The special thing about this place is the combination of all those different activities.

You can walk around works of art, enjoy music and get to know the creative side of Cuba.

It is a place where modern art and Cuban culture come together.

However, the programming and opening are subject to change. Therefore, please check in advance whether there are activities taking place during your visit.

When the opportunity arises, I definitely find this an interesting place to get to know Havana in a different way.

The nine-hour cannon shot: El Cañonazo

A special tradition in Havana is the so-called Cañonazo de las Nueve.

This ceremony traditionally takes place at nine o’clock in the evening at the Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña, on the other side of the bay.

In the past, cannon shots were used to indicate when the city gates were opened or closed.

Today, this history is commemorated with a ceremony in which participants wear historical uniforms.

The cannon shot is a special moment and the surroundings of the fort are also impressive.

From this side of the bay you also have a beautiful view of Havana.

Especially around sunset, this is a beautiful place.

Before your visit, check whether the ceremony will take place and what access options are available.

Enjoy the view at Cristo de la Habana

On the other side of the harbour is the impressive statue of Cristo de la Habana.

The large Christ statue overlooks the city and the bay.

But what makes this place special for me is the view.

From here, you can see the historic buildings, the harbor, and much of Havana.

It is a wonderful place to take pictures and look around you quietly.

You can combine a visit to the statue with discovering the surroundings of Casablanca and its old fortifications.

Discovering the history of Cuba

Havana has an eventful history and you will come into contact with it in various places in the city.

An important building is the former presidential palace, which houses the Museo de la Revolución.

The museum tells about the Cuban Revolution and the events that had a major impact on the country.

The building also houses historical objects and vehicles associated with this period.

Those interested in history can learn more about an important chapter from Cuba’s past here.

Please note that access to the museum may be restricted due to restoration work. Please check in advance which parts are accessible.

Plaza de la Revolución, with the well-known images of Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos on the surrounding buildings, is also a well-known historical site.

The impressive Gran Teatro de La Habana

Near the Capitolio is one of the most beautiful buildings in Havana: the Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso.

The exterior alone is impressive.

The building is richly decorated with statues, beautiful details and special architecture.

It is closely linked to the history of Cuban ballet.

The Ballet Nacional de Cuba has built up a great reputation worldwide.

However, the theater has had to deal with renovations and restrictions in programming in recent years.

Whether you can actually visit a performance there therefore depends on the current situation.

But even when no performance is possible, the building remains a beautiful sight.

See Havana from the water

A nice way to see Havana from a different angle is a crossing of the bay.

The local ferries, which are known as Lancitas, connect parts of Havana with Regla and Casablanca, among others.

Such a crossing will show you a different part of the city.

You travel among the locals and see the port from a completely different perspective.

In Regla you can get to know a neighborhood that has an important place in the Afro-Cuban religious and cultural traditions.

And in Casablanca, you can combine the visit with the Christ the Redeemer statue.

Check in advance if the boats are sailing, as the timetable and availability are subject to change.

Discover the other Havana

Many travelers spend most of their time in Old Havana.

Understandable, because there is an awful lot to see there.

But I definitely recommend you to discover other neighborhoods as well.

Take Vedado, for example.

This district has a completely different character, with wide avenues, old mansions, green areas and various cultural meeting places.

A well-known street is Avenida de los Presidentes, which is also called Calle G.

Here you can walk along a wide, green central strip with various monuments.

Outside the well-known tourist areas, there are also nice cafes, private restaurants and small businesses.

It is precisely by looking beyond the standard sights that you get to know the city in a different way.

Escape the crowds

Havana is a bustling city, but sometimes it’s wonderful to take a break from it.

Outside the center is the Jardín Botánico Nacional, a vast botanical park with special plants, trees and a Japanese garden.

It is a completely different environment from the busy streets of the capital.

However, the botanical garden has announced an indefinite closure in 2026. Therefore, first check whether a visit is now possible again.

You can also escape city life in and around other parks and green parts of Havana for a while.

Food, drinks and music in Havana

As far as I’m concerned, good food should not be missing during a visit to Havana!

In the city, you will find several restaurants, from simple local eateries to atmospheric paladares, Cuba’s private restaurants.

The supply can vary from day to day and due to the economic situation, not all products are always available.

But it is precisely the creativity of the Cuban chefs that sometimes makes a meal extra special.

And then the music!

Havana is a city where music never seems far away.

From traditional son to salsa and modern Cuban music.

Sometimes you hear a band playing in a café, sometimes the music just comes out of an open window.

And if there is dancing somewhere, don’t just watch!

You really don’t have to be a great dancer to enjoy the Cuban atmosphere.

How many days do you need for Havana?

Of course, how much time you should set aside for Havana depends on what you want to see.

With two or three days, you can already discover many well-known sights.

But when you have the time, I would definitely stay a little longer.

Then you can also look around outside the historic center, discover special restaurants and just enjoy everyday life.

Havana is not a city that you just have to see.

It’s a city that you have to experience above all!

When planning, keep in mind that transportation, opening hours, and activities in Cuba are subject to change.

A little flexibility is therefore always useful.

Discover Havana your way

Everyone has different wishes during a holiday.

Perhaps you want to visit historical places and enjoy the beautiful architecture.

Or maybe you are interested in everyday Cuban life, local music, art and special encounters.

Personally, I think it’s important that you don’t just discover the well-known tourist side of Cuba.

Because behind the colorful facades and the classic cars lies a world full of stories.

Thanks to my years of experience in Cuba and my local contacts, I can help you find a nice casa particular, arrange transport and plan special trips.

Together we look at what suits your wishes and budget.

Do you want to discover Havana, but also get acquainted with real Cuban life?

Feel free to contact me and tell me your plans!

Havana is so much more than vintage cars, rum and cigars. I would love to let you discover the other side of this special city!

Hasta pronto!